It is not just high school students who need prom dresses.
Grade 8 graduation has become a “huge thing,” and one local organization is supplying dresses for any students who need one for free or a donation.
“Students are encouraged to just come by. We want students to come get dresses,” said Jennifer Brake, guidance counsellor at Bradford District High School and a member of the Prom Glitz board of directors.
“Grade 8 grad has become a huge thing. The dresses girls are wanting to wear to Grade 8 grad … are beautiful formal gowns.”
No proof of financial need or appointments are necessary for students to stop by the Kozlov Centre in Barrie this Friday to Sunday and get a dress.
Although the event is being held in Barrie, any student from any municipality is invited to stop by, Brake said.
Prom Glitz did a similar event for high schoolers in April, but if any Grade 12s still need a prom dress. they are also welcome to attend, she said.
Prom Glitz had a lot of long, formal gowns for its Grade 12 event, but Grade 8s usually want knee-length dresses, and it has plenty of those, Brake said.
“We have hundreds and hundreds of dresses to choose from,” she said.
Many of the dresses are donated from bridal shops and are either new or have been worn once, she added.
“Most people don’t need gowns more than once,” she explained, noting volunteers and personal shoppers can help students sort through the selection to find the perfect dress.
Anyone who misses the event but wants to donate a dress can contact Prom Glitz on its website to arrange a drop off.
Brake said the organization is thankful to all its donors for providing space and equipment to host the event twice a year and move and store the dresses.
“This should be a really fun event,” Brake said.
GET A PROM DRESS
WHEN: May 31, June 1-2
TIME: May 31: noon to 7 p.m.; June 1: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; June 2: noon to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Kozlov Centre, 400 Bayfield St., Barrie
COST: Free, but donations are greatly appreciated
DONATE: To donate a prom dress or accessories, contact Prom Glitz online
